old Heathkit amp

[samcataudio]

Hi all, first post. I built a Heathkit AA-32 stereo amp which is about 40 years old. I haven't used it in years but have recently renewed my interest in audio and fired it up...works like it did as new! Question.. would it help extend tube life if I plug it into a variable power supply and slowly turn up the voltage? thanks
Jeff B

 

[samcataudio]

forgot to add pic....

I forgot to add a pic of my Heathkit AA-32...looks new!
Jeff B

 

[stratus46]

Hi all, first post. I built a Heathkit AA-32 stereo amp which is about 40 years old. I haven't used it in years but have recently renewed my interest in audio and fired it up...works like it did as new! Question.. would it help extend tube life if I plug it into a variable power supply and slowly turn up the voltage? thanks
Jeff B

You've already powered it up to listen to it. What's the point of the Variac now?

G²

 

[ODougbo]

Pic?....I think I have some of that stuff, tucked away.

I forgot to add a pic of my Heathkit AA-32...looks new!
Jeff B

 

[samcataudio]

pics....

looks new!

 

[tinitus]

nice

 

[rmyauck]

Yes it wouldn't hurt! I think the it would be easier on filaments. Also helps with todays high line voltages. ICL's could be used too to help filaments and caps.
If it hasn't had all the coupling caps and PS caps changed you are risking your Transformers and sometimes tubes. Good to clean and tension tube sockets and check resistors too.

Randy

 

[DF96]

With old unused valve amps the fragile component which needs to be carefully woken up is not a valve but the main electrolytic smoothing/reservoir caps.

 

[Frank Berry]

If you have "awakened" the old amplifier by applying full voltage, I see little need to use a Variac.
I would keep a close watch on the electrolytic capacitors. Because of their age, they are likely to fail.

 

[rmyauck]

Here's more on old caps:

Reforming capacitors, NOS and used - AudioKarma.org Home Audio Stereo Discussion Forums

http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=416418